#fjfw14

It’s an artisanal affair, and rightfully so, as Hoeder’s signature statement kick-starts the Fiji Fashion Week 2014 Inaugural Resort Wear Show. Opening his collection “Huppy Creations”, Huppy boasts a sunshine yellow-orangish cathedral train skirt, anchored with nothing but luscious threads of flowers. His colour palettes perpetuate that vibrant theme, from palm-tree green to clay red to even nude blue. All this on the prototypical bula shirts, halter neck pieces, and strapless dresses. With his grand finale, he incorporates a tenuous mat as upper-torso cover and a beautiful mile-long skirt. Fashion statement? Indeed - upping the glamour factor in Fiji’s high-end fashion!

I tried, I really did but I just couldn't connect with this collection. The green and black combination had me thinking of Nickelodeon's green goo at the Kid's Choice Awards. It just didn't sit right with me and on some models. 

Some of the lace on the dresses needed better stitching and while the running theme was casual day wear it was glaringly obvious that this duo were first timers. 

I will give them points for a cohesive connected collection and I would encourage them to brush up on their knowledge of fashion and textile design and come back next year with something better because we love the return of the underdogs. 

Neisau Tuidraki for FJFW